HolySpiritsWorking

The mouse who became a lion in counselling

2009-06-23T21:40:00.000+08:00

Pioneer's passion for helping others raised the profession's profile
By Theresa Tan

Mr Yeo was the founder of Singapore's first counselling centre and also helped set up suicide prevention agency SOS. He also spent decades training counsellors here and in the region, often for free.
VETERAN counsellor Anthony Yeo was the mouse that grew up to become a lion in his profession, as a relative put it.

Counsellor Anthony Yeo dies aged 60

2009-06-23T21:35:00.001+08:00

Veteran therapist dies from complications following treatment for white blood cell cancer
By Shuli Sudderuddin

'Father of counselling' Anthony Yeo, consultant therapist at the Counselling and Care Centre, was described by those who knew him as an 'iconic figure' in his field. -- ST FILE PHOTO
Singapore's 'father of counselling' Anthony Yeo, who had leukaemia, died yesterday from complications.

The veteran counsellor and consultant therapist at the Counselling and Care Centre was 60 years old.

Church group members harass student for days

2009-05-28T13:11:00.001+08:00

They approach him outside school, ask for handphone number, then keep calling and sending SMSes
By Veena Bharwani
May 28, 2009

THEY hang around outside secondary schools and approach students.
Click to see larger image
The New Paper, 15 Apr

These men then give Bibles to the students and talk to them about God.

The men, usually in their 30s, then ask the students for their handphone numbers and urge them to attend cell group meetings in their church.

This is what some students from Greenview Secondary in Pasir Ris have encountered over the past few years. This is not the only school that has seen religious groups right outside their school gates.

Last month, The New Paper reported that two men were distributing religious materials to students from Shuqun Secondary just outside the school in Jurong.

Teen sent to home, mum moves in too

2009-05-05T15:16:00.001+08:00

She wanted to stay close to wayward daughter in shelter
By Genevieve Jiang
May 05, 2009

WHEN her 13-year-old daughter ended up in a shelter for troubled teens and juvenile delinquents eight years ago, Madam Priyanut Phasuk was determined to be by her side.
Click to see larger image
MULTIPLE ROLES: Madam Priyanut is cook, housemother and cooking teacher at Andrew and Grace Home. TNP PICTURES: CHOO CHWEE HUA

The day after the girl was sent to the Andrew and Grace Home, Madam Priyanut packed her bags and asked the shelter's staff for permission to stay with her.

Our church is in the news, it's not what I wanted

2009-04-28T15:21:00.001+08:00

Church of Our Saviour pastor leads prayer for new Aware president, her husband & family
By Amanda Yong
April 28, 2009

IT WAS just another Sunday it seemed at the Church of Our Saviour yesterday.

The church was in the news earlier because of its links to several members of the new committee of the troubled women's group, Aware.

Just another Sunday until churchgoers were invited to pray for the controversial new Aware president, Ms Josie Lau, and her husband Dr Alan Chin.

Let's stay civil, minus the nannies

2009-04-26T13:51:00.000+08:00

By Andy Ho, Senior Writer
THE crux of the reports about the ongoing Aware saga seems to be that its new leaders attend church - by virtue of which they must therefore be dead set against gay rights.

Though these alleged facts have not yet been proven, they have led some to deem it unacceptable that the new group has won control of Aware. It was by a 'dawn raid' at Aware's AGM that the new guard seized control, having brought along a substantial number of new members to vote for them.

Dangerous turns in domestic dispute

2009-04-26T13:45:00.000+08:00

Both sides in Aware saga share the blame for current situation
By Paul Jacob, Deputy Political Editor

PUNCHLINES
I THINK the time has come for some heads to be knocked together.

It is an old remedy to knock some sense into people who have been having a go at each other for well on three weeks now.

Nothing 'sneaky' about elections

2009-04-26T13:37:00.001+08:00

Last Thursday, several members of Aware's newly elected executive committee revealed why they had stood for election.

They said the women's group had lost sight of its original purpose and had become pro-lesbian and pro-homosexual.

Six of the exco members are said to belong to the same church. Also present at the conference was lawyer Thio Su Mien, who described herself as a 'feminist mentor'.

The older members of Aware refuted the new exco's charges on Friday.

I'm 57, son's 6, that's a lot of work

2009-04-26T13:31:00.002+08:00

April 26, 2009

THE pastor looked in very good shape for someone who had just undergone a double transplant operation.

Sitting up, he peered at the roomful of reporters through his webcam. His bespectacled eyes looked very alert.

Said Pastor Lau Chin Kwee, a father of three, two of whom are in their 20s and working: 'God made me a son when I was already past 50 years old.'

That son is now 6 years old.

The Empty Egg

2009-04-13T21:36:00.000+08:00

Jeremy was born with a twisted body and a slow mind. At the
age of
12 he was still in second grade, seemingly unable to learn.
His
teacher, Doris Miller, often became exasperated with him.
He would
squirm in his seat, drool, and make grunting noises. At
other times,
he spoke clearly and distinctly, as if a spot of light had
penetrated the darkness of his brain. Most of the time,
however,
Jeremy just irritated his teacher.

Anity Shetty's Testimony

2009-03-23T23:20:00.001+08:00

Vani Marshall's Testimony

2009-03-23T22:44:00.001+08:00

The Largest Church in the World

2009-03-23T18:06:00.000+08:00

Oprah has opened one of the largest churches in the world & within 3 weeks it now has 3 million people who participates in her Internet online classes. Oprah denies Christ and teaches New Age. She states that Man Created God not God created man.

As Christians we need to be aware of the world's icons that will distribute their beliefs into the lives of the unsaved. Also, as believers we should not support anything, any belief, or any person who teaches a heretic's teaching.

Please take the time to watch this. It's just about 7 minutes long

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA

<http://youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA>

Father of 3 outruns his drug-abusing past

2009-03-09T18:39:00.001+08:00

Reformed addict will take part in Ironman race to help raise $10,000
By Kimberly Spykerman

Mr Choong, who once crushed his ankles leaping from a flat to escape the police, will run the 21km leg of the triathlon to raise funds for the Yellow Ribbon Project. --

MR HANNIEL Choong had a knack for running - from the cops. With officers from the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) hot on his heels, he once jumped from a third-storey flat to escape them.

Toast to sweet success

2009-03-09T18:01:00.001+08:00

Electronics salesman turned kaya toast king, Mr Adrin Loi says it was all because of a promise
By Tan Yi Hui

Mr Adrin Loi at the chain's flagship outlet at Far East Square. Despite being smack in the Central Business District, the shop does not have air-conditioning - the only such shop in the mall. Step inside and you will notice the no-frills decor, it feels like a nostalgic coffee shop from the 1960s. --

In a factory in Bedok, there is a secret room which only four people can enter. They are the ones who know what goes into a closely guarded family recipe. Only they operate the machinery inside the room.

Emmy winner murdered by 'spiritualist' husband

2009-03-05T17:49:00.001+08:00

He had affairs with housewives he met at seances
March 05, 2009

SHE was an Emmy-award winning make-up artist for her work on 2000 TV mini-series Arabian Nights.

He was a 'spiritualist'.

Mrs Diane Chenery-Wickens fate was sealed when she met future husband David at a tarot card reading and fell in love. They married in 1997.

Unknown to her, Chenery-Wickens was obsessed with sex and money. Throughout their marriage, he had a string of affairs, reported the Times.

Old SJI boys crack mystery of the missing Brother

2009-03-04T13:01:00.001+08:00

March 04, 2009
TOGETHER AGAIN: The class of '63 with Brother Patrick (in jacket) at the Ang Mo Kio coffee shop where they regularly meet. Mr Joseph (standing, extreme left) is in the striped T-shirt. PICTURES: COURTESY OF MR REG JOSEPH

THE first words from the 80-year-old man of the cloth to the 62-year-old freelance writer who came to visit him were: 'I remember you, rascal.'

Surprising, because the last time they had set eyes on each other was 46 years ago.

And not surprising at all, because the former was then a teacher at Saint Joseph's Institution (SJI) and the latter was a student there.

'This is the day we have waited for for 30 years'

2009-02-19T23:17:00.005+08:00

Survivors of Khmer Rouge atrocities witness the first formal trial of chief torturer
Duch ( facing his lawyer).

Mr Moeung Sonn, a survivor of the Khmer Rouge atrocities, waiting for the trial to start yesterday. About 800 people turned up to watch the UN-backed tribunal. -- PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

PHNOM PENH: - Survivors of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge atrocities reacted with pain, anger and relief as they watched Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot's chief torturer in the dock, 30 years after the fall of a regime blamed for 1.7 million deaths.

Hard times are here but he's happier now

2009-02-09T15:04:00.001+08:00

Award-winning photographer and TV commercial director Edward Loh knows about the high life.

He was commanding a daily rate of US$15,000 (S$22,535) or more for his shoots for international brand campaigns, and travelling to Hong Kong, China and India for work.

While here, he zipped around in a Mercedes S class and a Mercedes GL450.

There are supposedly only eight GL450 models in Singapore.

Mr Loh also used to think nothing of spending $600 on a meal in a Japanese restaurant.

These days, however, he thinks twice if he has to fork out $6 at a foodcourt.

Bad times spell boom for religion

2009-02-09T15:01:00.001+08:00

Surge in numbers at many places of worship here; many religious leaders devote sermons to coping with the financial crisis
By Tan Dawn Wei

A worshipper at Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple yesterday. Observers say it is hard to tell if the spike in attendance numbers in churches, mosques and temples will be only temporary or amount to something more long-term. -- ST PHOTO: JOYCE FANG
Since news of layoffs began making it into the papers daily in the past month or so, housewife Elizabeth Tan has been making weekly trips to the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple in Waterloo Street to pray.

I paid a heavy price. I was stupid

2009-02-04T21:33:00.002+08:00

February 04, 2009

THREE years ago, he was first accused of using drugs and paying a male prostitute for sex for over three years.
Click to see larger image
PICTURE: REUTERS

Now disgraced pastor Ted Haggard has been accused of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a 20-year-old volunteer in 2006.

And You Thought You Had a Bad Day!

2009-01-28T23:57:00.000+08:00

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/01/27/and-you-thought-you-had-a-bad-day-watch-this-incredibly-inspiring-video.aspx

The Resurrection of Christ - Gary Habermas

2009-01-17T20:08:00.002+08:00

Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI

True love can indeed last a lifetime: Study

2009-01-06T22:06:00.000+08:00

Brain scans show love and passion still burning brightly after 20 years
LONDON: - Cynical about love?

Scientists have discovered that people can have a love that lasts a lifetime.

Brain scans have proven that a small number of couples can respond with as much passion after 20 years as most people exhibit only in the first flush of love, Britain's Sunday Times newspaper has reported.

The findings overturn the conventional view that love and sexual desire peak at the start of a relationship and then decline as the years pass.

Religion and Self Control

2009-01-03T20:38:00.001+08:00

Pray, lead us not into temptation
By John Tierney

IF I'M serious about keeping my New Year resolutions in 2009, should I add another one? Should the to-do list include, 'Start going to church'?

This is an awkward question for a heathen to contemplate, but I felt obliged to raise it with Dr Michael McCullough after reading his report in the upcoming issue of the Psychological Bulletin. He and a fellow psychologist at the University of Miami, Dr Brian Willoughby, have reviewed eight decades of research and concluded that religious belief and piety promote self-control.

Father of paediatrics dies at 85

2008-12-29T12:55:00.001+08:00

Prof Wong Hock Boon, a mentor to thousands, founded paediatrics dept
By Sujin Thomas

Prof Wong, described as a 'man of few words with a great depth of knowledge', will be cremated tomorrow. -- ST PHOTO: LIM WUI LIANG
THE man widely regarded as the father of paediatrics in Singapore - and a mentor to thousands of young physicians - died yesterday following a short illness.

Emeritus Professor Wong Hock Boon, who founded Singapore's first paediatrics department in the 1960s, was 85.

Healing from Sexual Abuse

2008-12-28T00:22:00.001+08:00

Jesus Heals Online

2008-12-28T00:01:00.002+08:00

Other healings

Healing is Yours

2008-12-27T23:19:00.000+08:00

Healings in Bethel Church

2008-12-27T13:14:00.001+08:00

Obama's choice of pastor for inauguration upsets some

2008-12-27T12:19:00.000+08:00

Why him, Mr President?
December 27, 2008 Print Ready Email Article

THE US president's inauguration may be less than a month away but MrBarack Obama's choices of who's to appear and in what role has already set tongues wagging.
Click to see larger image
FLAK: MrObama's choice of pastor Rick Warren to pray at his inauguration has upset some people. PICTURES: AP, AFP

In particular, Mr Obama's choice of evangelical pastor Rick Warren to deliver a religious invocation at the ceremony has raised hackles.

Mr Warren, a best-selling author and leader of a Californian megachurch, has won praise by calling for more attention to eradicating poverty, fighting Aids in Africa, expanding educational opportunities and global warming.

But gay rights advocates are angry over MrWarren's backing of a California ballot initiative to ban gay marriage.

They said having MrWarren deliver the invocation was tantamount to endorsing bigotry.

The Loaf Story

2008-12-25T23:52:00.000+08:00

The Living Faith Church in Kota Kinabalu

Miracle in Kota Kinabalu

2008-12-25T23:36:00.001+08:00

A miracle from the Living Faith Church. The resurrection of a child.

'I may need a wheelchair'

2008-12-23T16:31:00.001+08:00

But actor Chew Chor Meng refuses to let muscular atrophy get him down
By Tan Dawn Wei

-- ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN

Actor Chew Chor Meng already has great difficulty climbing stairs and he struggles to lift his four-year-old daughter. Soon, he may even lose his ability to walk.

But the 40-year-old, who broke the news that he has spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, or Kennedy's disease, last Friday night, is refusing to let this debilitating disease strike him down.

THE DISEASE
Twitching, tremors and muscle cramps, progressing to weakness and wasting in the legs, trunk, arms, shoulders, neck and face.

These are the debilitating effects of spinal bulbar muscular atrophy, or Kennedy's disease, which dramatically affects one's walking, speech and swallowing, usually over a long period of time.
... more

Chew has incurable illness

2008-12-23T16:20:00.002+08:00

Actor's condition said to strike one in 40,000 people and is incurable
By Jasmine Teo

Chew sharing news of his spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy with the congregation. He is expected to face 'physical impairment' in the next seven to 15 years, but the disease does not affect life expectancy.
VETERAN MediaCorp actor Chew Chor Meng said last night that he has been diagnosed with a form of muscular atrophy, an incurable disease where a sufferer's muscles waste away.

The 40-year-old told reporters outside his church, Renewal Centre, in Serangoon that he was diagnosed with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, or Kennedy's disease.

'Later when you pray, tell God that He is very, very, very good. :D'.'

2008-12-11T21:15:00.003+08:00

She was so weak, she couldn't even lift her hand
Heart-lung machine helps save her life
By Ng Wan Ching
December 10, 2008

SHE would have been dead within an hour if her parents had not taken her to hospital right then.

RECOVERING: Dora at home. She now has scars on her neck to remind her of those dark days. PICTURES: COURTESY OF MR CHAN

And even when she got there, she may not have survived if the right doctors were not at the right place at the right time.

But little Dora, 7, was fortunate, and eventually pulled through.

Her recovery was nothing short of a miracle, and she had to endure a long, hard fight for her life.

US pastor: Have sex for 7 days & keep going

2008-11-27T21:00:00.001+08:00

November 27, 2008

REVEREND Ed Young challenged his followers with a rather 'hot' idea to perk up things in their married lives - 'Seven Days of Sex'.

Rev Young, an author, a television host and the pastor of the evangelical Fellowship Church, issued his call for a week of congregational copulation among married couples last week, while pacing in front of a large bed.

'Today we're beginning this sexperiment, seven days of sex. How to move from whining about the economy to whoopee!' the New York Times quoted him as saying.

I couldn't just sit at home and wait

2008-11-27T20:49:00.001+08:00

By Ng Tze Yong
November 27, 2008 Print Ready Email Article

BY the time Mr Winston Goh left KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) at noon on Sunday, he was drained.
Click to see larger image
TRUTH IS OUT THERE: Mr Goh with photos of the accident site. TNP PICTURE: MOHD ISHAK

It had been a long, long night.

A late-night phone call had ended with a mad rush to the hospital and hours of anxious waiting.

But, finally, he could go home to rest.

His daughter, in a hospital bed, was in stable condition. His wife had come to relieve him at the girl's bedside.

Go home and freshen up, his wife had coaxed him.

But the businessman just could not do it. The questions continued to vex him.

I want someone to be responsible for tragedy

2008-11-27T20:45:00.001+08:00

Outraged parents allege that nobody told them what happened
By Lediati Tan
November 27, 2008

IT WAS a quiet night at the private campsite.

Two teenage girls were having a chat.

Suddenly, an all-terrain vehicle roared out of the darkness and ploughed into them.

The vehicle hit the girls and a third girl who was nearby. All three 15-years-olds were injured, one of them seriously.

Now their parents are outraged - both by the incident and because they remain in the dark.

The incident occurred at Camp Challenge Sembawang at 1.45am on Sunday.

From loan officer to law firm partner, in 8 years

2008-11-26T21:16:00.001+08:00

Lawyer Lin Song with his family; Wife Gillian, 34, also a lawyer, daughter Grace, three months and son Samuel, two. -- ST PHOTO: JOYCE FANG
View more photos
JUST eight years ago, Mr Lin Song, born in Putian county in Fujian province, lived a vastly different life.

He was a loans officer for a bank in the southern Chinese city of Xiamen in Fujian province, earning 5,000 yuan (S$1,120) monthly. He put his Xiamen University law degree to good use whenever he went to court to recover bad loans.

The son of a civil servant father and housewife mother rented a three-bedroom flat with two friends in Xiamen, and struggled to save up to 3,000 yuan a month as a bachelor.

Today, the 35-year-old is a Singaporean and a partner at Khattar Wong, a leading law firm here with more than 150 lawyers, and co-heads the group's 30-member-strong China practice.

He is married to a Singaporean lawyer Gillian Lee, whom he met at the firm which he joined in 2004. They have two children, Samuel, two, and Grace, who is three months old. Home is an old bungalow in Bukit Timah, and he drives a Lexus.

His turning point was applying for a master's in Business Administration scholarship from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in 2000.

Although he was also accepted by the National University of Singapore and Indiana University in the United States, he chose NTU as it was the only MBA programme which came with a bond-free scholarship.

Dad suffered but still faced death with courage

2008-11-02T15:45:00.000+08:00

I recently buried my father, Reverend Henry Khoo Hin Yang (who was featured in the article, 'Chaplain who turned lives around dies', (Oct23) ), after his prolonged stay in the hospital, most of that time fighting for his life in the intensive care unit.

For the 55 days he was in hospital, he was either sedated or semi-comatose, and later, in considerable pain, but not once did he or we consider hastening his death.

For a man who taught those facing capital punishment to face death with courage, he would have had it no other way than to face his own with equal courage in the midst of his own suffering.

God healed an Afgan man

2008-10-28T22:49:00.000+08:00

Indonesian ex-President Abd. Wahid Converted to Christianity

2008-10-26T23:52:00.000+08:00

God Working in the Middle East

2008-10-26T23:48:00.001+08:00

by the Jordan River

Thousands of Muslims Convert to Christianity in Iraq

2008-10-26T15:09:00.005+08:00

Other videos:

Terrorist converts to Christianity
Nabeel found Christ Part I
Nabeel found Christ Part II
Dina's Conversion
Ex muslim woman converted Part I
Ex muslim woman converted Part II
African muslim villagers converting to Christ
Algeria Church
Converting from Islam to Christianity in Algeria 1
Converting from Islam to Christianity in Algeria 2
Mohd Hijazi being persecuted

Dr. Kyaw Win In Malaysia Zotung Christian Fellowship

2008-10-26T14:14:00.002+08:00

Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Singapore Judson Baptist Church

Kg Jias Story

2008-10-26T13:33:00.005+08:00

Watch this video to see how the orang asli were coming to christ and how they faced persecution

Other videos :

Kg Jias Special Service
Kg Regang Church
Persecution in Malaysia
Macedonian Call 1
Macedonian Call 2
Drowned 01 - the resurrection of Deresa, the village chief 's son
Drowned 02
Drowned 03
Drowned 04
Drowned 05
Deep in the Jungle
Christmas Presents
Christmas in January

Retail 'therapy' for troubled teenage girls

2008-10-25T16:46:00.000+08:00

By Lim Pow Hong
FOR a day, teenagers at the Andrew and Grace Home for troubled girls tried their hand at running their own shop.

On Sept 25, 20 girls from the home got their first lesson in retail marketing and bookkeeping skills, conducted by a team of experts in marketing from Lend Lease Retail.

The home and Lend Lease hope to develop a long-term working relationship, perhaps with Lend Lease employees training the girls once a month or once a quarter.

Three generations of Khoos, all in the prison ministry

2008-10-25T15:44:00.001+08:00

THE Khoos have contributed three generations of its men to the prison ministry:

# Rev Khoo Siaw Hua: Began as prison minister in 1952 and served as honorary prison chaplain from 1953 to 1985. Died a year after his retirement.

# Rev Henry Khoo: Started as teacher conducting classes in Changi Prison in 1968 and succeeded his father as prison chaplain. He served until 2006.

# Rev Timothy Khoo: The reach of the Khoos in the prison ministry goes global with him. Based here, he is the executive vice-president of Prison Fellowship International, which has 113 affiliates worldwide. Serves in the prisons here as a volunteer.

His younger brother Mark, 36, is also in prison work: He is a teacher at the Kaki Bukit Prison School.

2008-10-25T15:39:00.002+08:00

Chaplain who turned lives around dies
Rev Khoo gave spiritual comfort to hardened prisoners for 38 years with his gentle ways
By K. C. Vijayan, Law Correspondent

Rev Khoo, who spent his years as prison chaplain reforming "the tough nuts", died on Tuesday night after a long battle with cancer. -- ST FILE PHOTO
THEY were 'dead men walking', death-row inmates taking that journey towards the day they would hang.

Archaeology and Genesis I

2008-10-24T17:44:00.001+08:00

Science proves Bible fact!

2008-10-24T17:43:00.001+08:00

The Physical Ashen Remains of Sodom & Gomorrah

2008-10-24T17:38:00.000+08:00

Keep an open mind even if you live by thou-shalt-nots

2008-10-19T14:13:00.002+08:00

I refer to the letter by Mr Winston Chin, 'I'd rather live by the thou-shalt-nots', published last Sunday. In it, he referred to a piece titled 'Church pastors like none other', published in The Sunday Times on Oct 5, which had featured the founders of two of Singapore's so-called megachurches: New Creation Church (NCC) and City Harvest Church.

I find it sad that Mr Chin felt the report had confirmed his observations and views of the two churches.

I'd rather live by the thou-shalt-nots

2008-10-19T14:12:00.002+08:00

ST PHOTO: SAMUEL HE
I refer to last Sunday's feature, 'Church pastors like none other'.

I have mused on attending the Sunday services of the two megachurches to find out why they are such big draws. Your report has confirmed my observation and views.

# They appear more like motivational institutions where the teachings centre on 'all aspects of a person's development and needs' and the premise that one's good works 'require one to first better (oneself) financially'.

# The congregation is made up largely of those in their mid-30s and 40s who are probably ambitious, up-and-coming individuals, and who want to believe that they can thrive by 'receiving God's charity instead of living by the thou-shalt-nots'.

# There seems to be much stress on a stylish lifestyle here and now, rather than on the here and thereafter.

# The churchgoers seem to worship their pastors as role models, and probably go in droves for their Sunday preaching on prosperity, success and financial blessings, and also to be part of the mega commercial projects that put many a publicly listed company to shame.

For me, I am perfectly happy to live by all traditional thou-shalt-nots which are biblical.

Winston Chin

The dash movie

2008-10-18T23:36:00.000+08:00

The dash :

In July 2006, a short 3-minute movie was launched on the Internet called The Dash. Since then, over 40 million people from around the world have watched it; and over 20,000 a day continue to watch it as a result of people passing it along.
The movie has been more successful than we could have ever imagined. More importantly, however, it has inspired many, many people to reflect on their lives and ask that all important question, 'Are my priorities where they should be??

Violence against Christians in Iraq rises

2008-10-14T22:49:00.001+08:00

FEAR AND LOATHING: 'We are the target of a campaign of liquidation, a campaign of violence. The objective is political.' - Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul Louis Sako

MOSUL: Iraq dispatched 1,000 police to the northern city of Mosul yesterday to protect Christians fleeing the worst violence against them in five years.

After attacks that have killed at least 11 Christians since Sept 28, nearly 1,000 terrified Christian families have fled their homes to take shelter in the northern and eastern fringes of Nineveh province.

All Aboard Johan's Ark

2008-10-13T21:45:00.006+08:00

All aboard Johan's Ark
October 13, 2008

DUTCH contractor Johan Huibers has built a massive replica of Noah's Ark on a river in the small town of Schagen, about 50km north of Amsterdam.

THE RE-CREATOR: Mr Johan Huibers with his pride and joy. Mr Huibers hopes his ark will encourage people to start reading the bible.

The ark, made of cedar and pine, is 68m long, almost 14m high and 9m wide.

That's two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a three-story house.

Visit by hotshot US reverend draws flak on the Net

2008-10-11T20:44:00.000+08:00

By Liew Hanqing
October 11, 2008 Print Ready Email Article

HE is one of the most well-known televangelists in the US, but also one of the most controversial.

And his engagement to speak at City Harvest Church's (CHC) first Asia Conference in Singapore has stirred strong reactions among netizens.

Best-known for his 'miracle crusades' - large revival and 'healing' summits in large stadiums in major cities - Reverend Benny Hinn is one of the most high-profile healing evangelists in the US.

However, investigative news reports by syndicated news programmes, including Inside Edition and Dateline NBC, have questioned some of Rev Hinn's claims, including those that say he has the God-given gift of healing people who attend his crusades.

Ps Kong Hee ,founder of City Harvest Church

2008-10-05T13:36:00.001+08:00

Over the next hour, he cracked jokes, dished out anecdotes about his son Dayan, and delivered the message of the day about the qualities of being a good son.

'Awesome' is a word he uses a lot, often accompanied by a dramatic punch in the air.

The other young pastors all sport a wardrobe also sponsored by Ed Hardy - or rather, Mr Kong and singer-wife Ho Yeow Sun's apparel business that brings in the American streetwear label known for its loud designs.

The young, hip, energetic vibes that resonate within the church's chic $48 million walls probably go some way in drawing the young crowd in. Half of the 23,000-strong congregation are children, students and full-time national servicemen.

'When people believe right, they live right

2008-10-05T13:26:00.003+08:00

'When people believe right, they live right,' says Pastor Joseph Prince of New Creation Church. He preaches at four hour-long services on Sundays. -- ST PHOTOS: SAMUEL HE
View more photos

From stutter to charisma

More than just an orator

'He's not just a good speaker, he has the wisdom and ability to interpret the Bible. It has changed me, my life, my business.'
MS OLIVIA LUM, 47, chief executive officer and president of water purification company Hyflux Group, on Pastor Joseph Prince
By his own admission, Pastor Joseph Prince is a shy man and a former stutterer.

That is why he has never granted a media interview, preferring to let his lieutenants do the talking.

Church pastors like none other

2008-10-05T13:25:00.000+08:00

Both are under 50, good-looking and charismatic. They have also built their churches from scratch into two of the richest and biggest in Singapore. But New Creation Church's Pastor Joseph Prince and City Harvest Church's Pastor Kong Hee have been at the receiving end of criticism and controversy for their non-traditional practices, rich coffers and the way they run their churches like businesses. Last month they, along with five other major religious groups, were given the all-clear by the Commissioner of Charities (COC) in its first governance review. The five Christian groups and two temples were singled out as they have the largest incomes - more than $10 million each a year - among the charities under the Commissioner's direct purview. The audit, which began last October, is intended to help the groups improve the way they are run. In separate interviews with The Sunday Times, the two church founders discuss how it all started, their own spiritual journeys and those nagging criticisms.
By Tan Dawn Wei

Church losing Manila's birth control battle

2008-10-04T17:06:00.002+08:00

Push for family planning Bill indicates Catholic bishops' waning clout
By Alastair McIndoe, Philippines Correspondent

Mothers with their newborns at a government hospital in Manila. With unbridled population growth straining public services, many feel a national family planning policy is needed. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
MANILA: The Catholic Church in the Philippines is facing one of the biggest challenges to its deep-rooted influence in the corridors of power here.

An emotional debate is raging in Congress on legislation for a national family planning policy to include government-sponsored contraception for the poor. If passed, this would be a historic break with Church doctrine in Asia's only Catholic-majority country.

That the Bill has got as far as it has in the legislative process is due partly to the waning clout of the Catholic hierarchy, whose bishops are 'pulling out all the stops' to get lawmakers to throw it out.

'Politicians supporting the reproductive-health Bill clearly feel the Church is not so strong nowadays,' said political analyst Benito Lim, adding that prominent Catholics in the business sector are also pushing for measures to bring down the country's high rate of population growth.

In fact, Filipinos have been flocking in large numbers to the more dynamic evangelical and charismatic groups for years.

Some, like Mr Mike Velarde's El Shaddai Church, or the Iglesia ni Cristo movement, wield considerable power as voting blocs. Not surprisingly, they are being energetically courted by politicians ahead of mid-2010 elections for endorsements.

Interfaith dialogue: Why some clam up

2008-09-20T12:48:00.000+08:00

By Andy Ho, Senior Writer
IN A RECENT study involving 183 Christian clergymen, half said they were leery of participating in any form of interfaith dialogue. Also, 40 per cent of them were reluctant to cooperate with another religion in any joint charity effort.

Hellish times for India's Christians

2008-09-20T12:43:00.000+08:00

Communal politics, religious zeal fuel attacks in 4 states
By P. Jayaram, India Correspondent
NEW DELHI: A combustible mix of politics and religious zeal has been blamed for a surge in attacks on Christians in several Indian states.

A pentecostal group is at the centre of the violence that has rocked the southern coastal city of Mangalore, in Karnataka, since Sunday, less than a month after eastern Orissa state witnessed similar violence against Christians.

Church pumps in $220m more

2008-09-20T12:26:00.001+08:00

New Creation Church's total stake in lifestyle hub will be $500m
By Fiona Chan, Property Reporter

An artist's impression of the Integrated Hub at Vista Exchange, which is being developed by Rock Productions (the business arm of the New Creation Church) and CapitaLand. -- GRAPHIC: ROCK PRODUCTIONS/CAPITALAND
ONE of Singapore's mega churches is raising its investment in a new lifestyle hub at one-north, where it will hold church services in the future.

Three generations 'in jail'

2008-09-20T12:05:00.001+08:00

For (from left) Mr Joshua Teo, his grandfather Goh Ewe Kheng and uncle Goh Chuan Iau, gaining the inmates' trust is important and essential. -- ST PHOTOS: LIM WUI LIANG
WHEN Mr Joshua Teo, 35, was growing up, his relatives would joke that his grandfather was 'back in prison' when the patriach failed to show up for family gatherings.

His grandfather, Mr Goh Ewe Kheng, 84, really has been in and out of prison for the last 50 years - as a volunteer.

Now Mr Teo and his uncle are following in his footsteps.

Dongfang Billy Has Cancer, Plans Funeral

2008-09-11T20:58:00.001+08:00

Former DJ to host his funeral via DVD
September 11, 2008

HE has planned his own funeral, down to what he will wear and who is going to host the event.
Click to see larger image
READY TO DIE: Billy Wang.

French schools to offer free English lessons

2008-09-04T21:30:00.002+08:00

Minister says poor English a handicap in international business
PARIS: French Education Minister Xavier Darcos has announced plans to offer free English classes in schools, saying that speaking fluent English was the key to success.

Mobs in anti -Christian rage

2008-09-01T21:00:00.003+08:00

Mobs in anti-Christian rage
Slaying of Hindu leader sparks attacks on homes and churches
By P. Jayaram, India Correspondent

Nearly 500 Christian homes have been torched in Orissa, leaving the victims to salvage what they can from the ruins. -- PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS

In Israel: Dead Sea Scrolls to go digital

2008-08-30T16:41:00.001+08:00

Special tests have revealed previously illegible portions of the biblical documents. -- PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
JERUSALEM: More than 2,000 years after they were written, the Dead Sea Scrolls are going digital as part of an effort to better preserve the ancient texts and let more people see them than ever before.

Babies: We want more

2008-08-26T21:28:00.002+08:00

The Lim couple have six children and a seventh is on the way
By Shuli Sudderuddin

Mr Henson Lim and wife Serene with their children (clockwise from top left) David, 10; Aaron, 6; Sarah, eight; Ruth, three; Esther, five; and Deborah, one. -- ST PHOTO: STEPHANIE YEOW
It is Wednesday morning and Mr Henson Lim's Bishan maisonette echoes with the clattering of two robot vacuum cleaners at work.

'We just bought them last week for $1,700,' said Mr Lim, 44, a ministry partner with the Covenant Vision Ministries. The devices will help his homemaker wife Serene, 39, who is expecting their seventh child. Yes, seventh.

Religious tensions rise in Indonesia

2008-08-26T21:11:00.001+08:00

Assaults on Christian school and church in Jakarta raise concern
By Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja , INDONESIA CORRESPONDENT

Students of Arastamar Evangelical School near Jakarta attending an outdoor class yesterday after their school was attacked by Muslim hardliners last month. -- PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS
JAKARTA: Concern is mounting that Indonesia's constitutionally protected religious freedoms are under threat after recent attacks on Christians here by Islamic hardliners.

McCain scores in first stage clash with Obama

2008-08-25T17:00:00.001+08:00

His confident answers find favour with crucial voting bloc of evangelical Christians
By Bhagyashree Garekar, US Correspondent

(From left) Mr John McCain, PastorRick Warren and Mr Barack Obama at the Saddleback Church on Saturday. The presidential candidates took turns speaking of faith and politics at a forum chaired by the pastor. -- PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
WASHINGTON - Senator John McCain stole the show from his Democratic rival Barack Obama in their first encounter on stage since the primaries, as they clashed in front of the crucial evangelical Christian audience.

Who is Rick Warren?

2008-08-25T16:59:00.000+08:00

PASTOR Rick Warren, the 54-year-old founder of the 23,000-strong Saddleback Church in California, is known the world over for his best-selling book, The Purpose Driven Life. His book has sold over 30 million copies in English and is published in more than 50 languages.

Double death fall

2008-08-25T16:45:00.003+08:00

Mystery diary entries,
By Crystal Chan
August 25, 2008

THE two boys had apparently written diary entries with words like 'goodbye' and 'last day'.

LAST WORDS: The boys wrote entries with words and phrases like 'goodbye' and 'last day' in their diaries. They are believed to have fallen from this window. Grafitti sprayed by Witaya can be seen on the sill. TNP PICTURE: JOHN HENG

Cult 'brainwashed' mom

2008-08-17T12:48:00.000+08:00

BALTIMORE - AFTER denying Javon Thompson food and water for two days because he wouldn't say 'Amen' after meals, the 1-year-old's caretakers waited for a divine sign that their message had been heard: a resurrection.

Seoul govt's 'partiality' riles Buddhists

2008-08-16T15:34:00.002+08:00

Search of monk's car sparks outcry against 'Christianity-friendly' policy

Buddhist monks staging a hunger strike in a tent at the Jogye-sa Temple to protest against what they see as religious bias by the government of President Lee, a Christian. -- ASSOCIATED PRESS

Christian fellowship a big attraction for youth

2008-08-16T15:14:00.001+08:00

By Grace Chua

Participants at the Festival of Praise, held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from Aug 1 to 3, raising their hands while singing Christian songs. -- ALPHONSUS CHERN/THE STRAITS TIMES

Many seekers drawn to Buddhism

2008-08-16T15:12:00.001+08:00

By April Chong

BUDDHISM, at 2,500 years old, is still the top choice among those in search of spirituality in this urban nation.

Taoism: Not easy to keep devotees

2008-08-16T15:10:00.002+08:00

It is losing the most followers, especially among youth under 24
By Yen Feng

The Poh Ann Keng Taoist Temple in Tampines Link sees few visitors, except during festivals and special ceremonies. Younger Taoists find it difficult to connect with the religion, and are either drawn to other faiths or get by without following any. -- ALPHONSUS CHERN/THE STRAITS TIMES

IN 1988, Taoist devotees scurried to meet their elders when a government survey found that half their clan had defected to other religions.

Buddhist mum worries about funeral rites

2008-08-16T15:08:00.000+08:00

FIVE years ago, when Madam Tan, a devout Buddhist, first heard that her eldest daughter Cindy Ng, then 23, was planning to be baptised, she had one concern - that the young woman would not be able to perform the funeral rites at her death.

Mum's SMS: 'You cannot be baptised until I die'

2008-08-16T15:05:00.001+08:00

Ms Ng, a Christian and her husband Timmy at the Zion Bible Presbyterian Church in Bishan. Her mother is upset that her baptised daughter will not be able to perform her funeral rites. -- ALPHONSUS CHERN/THE STRAITS TIMES
A SINGLE text message from her staunchly Buddhist mother said it all: 'You cannot be baptised until I die.'

Religion: The big switch

2008-08-16T14:59:00.002+08:00

Taoism is losing believers as Chinese turn away from their parents' faith. Christianity is growing its flock and Buddhism is also seeing a revival
By Arti Mulchand

Two devotees kneeling in prayer at the Lorong Koo Chye Sheng Hong Temple Association. About 90 years ago, seven in 10 here considered themselves Taoist but recent census figures have charted Taoism's declinin "share" - from 30 per cent of the population in 1980 to 22.4 per cent in 1990 and 8.5 per cent in 200. -- ALPHONSUS CHERN/THE STRAITS TIMES

Ugly scenes at KL forum on religious conversions

2008-08-16T14:54:00.001+08:00

Meeting ends abruptly after disruption by Muslim protesters
By Carolyn Hong, Malaysia Bureau Chief

Protesters muscling their way to the front of an auditorium at the Bar Council building to demand an end to a forum on an issue that both government and opposition leaders fear may inflame religious tension. -- PHOTO: WWW.MALAYSIANINSIDER.COM
Kuala Lumpur - A legal forum on conversions to Islam came to an abrupt end yesterday as the situation looked set to get out of control.

Pastor scores a hit with Singapore Song

2008-08-16T14:03:00.001+08:00

-- ST PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA
He preaches the good word to thousands of people who attend church services at Lighthouse Evangelism in Tampines and Woodlands every Sunday.

But since last week, Pastor Rony Tan (right) has been 'singing' a message of a different kind.

Tithing goes online

2008-08-13T23:05:00.000+08:00

TWO Protestant churches here are collecting donations through their websites.

City Harvest Church launched its donation portal in 2002, and Faith Community Baptist Church (FCBC), last year.

Anglican leader on gays and marriage

2008-08-08T13:57:00.000+08:00

Letters shed light on Archbishop's views

'The Bible does not address the matter of appropriate behaviour for those who are, for whatever reason, homosexual by instinct or nature.' - Dr Williams
LONDON: Faithful gay relationships are 'comparable to marriage' in the eyes of God, the leader of the world's Anglicans wrote in private correspondence before he was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, British newspapers reported yesterday.

The disclosure threatens to reopen bitter divisions over ordaining gay priests, which pushed the Anglican Communion towards a split.

The comments - made in letters written in 2000 and 2001 when Dr Rowan Williams was still Archbishop of Wales - will infuriate the conservatives who boycotted the recent Lambeth Conference to protest against the presence of liberals who elected Anglicanism's first openly gay bishop - Mr Gene Robinson of New Hampshire in the United States.

Anglican leader calls for moratorium on gay bishops

2008-08-07T21:57:00.001+08:00

GRAVE WARNING

: 'If the North American churches don't accept the need for moratorium, then, to say the least, we are no further forward. That means, as a communion, we continue to be in grave peril.' - ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY ROWAN WILLIAMS
LONDON - ARCHBISHOP of Canterbury Rowan Williams, struggling to hold together the troubled global Anglican family, has urged church leaders not to consecrate another gay bishop, saying the fellowship will be in 'grave peril' without a moratorium.

Finish Strong Movie

2008-08-07T21:38:00.002+08:00

There is one thing that we all have in common. That is...at some point in our life, we will face adversity. It's not a matter of if but...when.

In my 63 years on this earth, I have come to realize that the difference in success or failure is not chance, but choice. Because when adversity strikes, it's not what happens to us, but how we react to what happens that will determine our destiny.

And that's what this inspirational 3 minute movie is all about. The title is Finish Strong. So turn up your speakers and click on the link below. It will make your day!

Click Here To Watch

Other titles

Race

Finding Joy

You Can't Send a Duck to Eagle School

The Power of Attitude

Change is Good

Dreams

The Nature of Success

Dash

The Simple Truths of Appreciation

The Simple Truths of Service

The Extra Degree

No Glass Ceiling, Just Blue Sky

Walk the Talk

May You be Blessed

Paper Plane

Rock Solid Leadership

The Essence of Leadership

The Power of Teamwork

The Strangest Secret

To a Child, Love is Spelled TIME

What it Takes to Be Number One

One Solitary Life

Sales Motivation

Great Quotes from Great Leaders

Live with Passion,

Mac Anderson
Founder, Simple Truths

Good Things Come In Threes

2008-08-04T21:33:00.001+08:00

THERE were to be only two winners for the Youth Inspiration Award, but competition was so keen, judges decided on three winners instead. HEDY KHOO reports
By Hedy Khoo
August 04, 2008

YVONNE CHIA, TEACHER

pictures: Hedy khoo

SHE knows what it is like to be a wayward student. Her younger days were beset with personal problems.

Inter-faith talks avert mention of extremism

2008-08-03T16:12:00.000+08:00

First global dialogue between Christians, Muslims focuses on building ties

NEW HAVEN (CONNECTICUT) - A CONFERENCE of Muslim and Christian leaders aimed at promoting inter-faith dialogue ended here sidestepping the thorny issue of religious fundamentalism.

'Made in China' Bibles - the S'pore connection

2008-07-31T21:11:00.002+08:00

By Leong Weng Kam, Senior Writer
CLOSE TIES: China's biggest Bible producer Amity Printing has sent staff for training in Singapore. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

WALK into any Christian bookshop and chances are you will find copies of the Bible printed in China by the Amity Printing Company (APC) in Nanjing.

This is not home schooling

2008-07-31T20:56:00.002+08:00

But founder says she's providing a place for children who can't cope in national schools
July 31, 2008

SHE believes her school is in the best interest of students who are up for home-schooling.

Life at Victory Life Christian School. From top: A facilitator leads a class discussion; Students lead a song session; Students studying at their work stations. -- TNP Pictures: SHILA NAIDU

Simple Truths

2008-07-28T16:14:00.001+08:00

Boycott lays bare rift in Anglican Church

2008-07-18T21:53:00.002+08:00

Absence of a quarter of its bishops from Lambeth summit puts spotlight on divisive issues of sexuality and scripture
By Mark Rice-Oxley, For The Straits Times
CENTRE OF A STORM: Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams (fourth from left), seen here with bishops from various countries at the start of the Lambeth Conference, is facing a bitter dispute over the place of homosexuals in the life and ministry of the Anglican Church. -- PHOTO: AFP

Preacher's magical touch

2008-07-08T14:23:00.002+08:00

Pastor Lawrence Khong's proudest contribution is setting up Touch Community Services, an award-winning non-profit organisation
By Mak Mun San , the monday interview
FATHER AND DAUGHTER ACT: Pastor Lawrence Khong, who is also a magician, will be performing with his daughter Priscilla in a magical theatre show called MagicBox from Saturday to July 20. -- ST PHOTO: ALBERT SIM

Tablet could redefine Jewish-Christian links

2008-07-08T13:04:00.000+08:00

JERUSALEM - A TABLET said to date back to the 1st century BC predicts that a messiah would rise again after three days - a text that could redefine links between the Christian and Jewish religions.

Marriage - an unsettling experience

2008-07-02T19:56:00.000+08:00

In this fortnightly column on life issues, veteran psychotherapist Anthony Yeo talks about the pros and cons of saying 'I do'

Her Heart May Beat The Odds

2008-06-21T18:56:00.001+08:00

Book-binder is the longest living female heart transplant patient here
By Kua Chee Siong
June 21, 2008

A LONE slipper lies outside the gate of a one-room flat.

Ms Tan used to walk about 2km from her weekly physiotheraphy sessions at SGH to her work place at the Society for the Physically Disabled on Peng Nguan Street. In recent years, because she gets tired easily, she would do it only occasionally. She takes the bus instead.